Reader feedback July 30: Fishing pier, 'Loch Maury'

New fishing pier expected to approach original length

The reconstructed James River Fishing Pier likely will maintain a length close to its original 3,000 feet, instead of being shortened to 1,250 feet, as previously planned. City leaders budgeted $4.4 million for demolition of the pier and construction of its replacement, but the lowest bid came in much lower than expected, at $2.3 million — only $474,000 of which is for demolition.

That means about an extra $2 million will be available to extend the pier — a project the city will bid out separately in the spring. The city still must verify that the lowest bidder, Crofton Construction Services of Portsmouth, meets all the requirements before it can be formally selected, but city officials do not anticipate any issues.

• Aubrina C. Schryer: That's good news!

'Loch Maury' creates stir

The board of the Mariners' Museum has formally changed the name of Lake Maury to Loch Maury. Factors spurring the name change include the museum's "Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep" exhibit and the fact that monsters often are associated with Scottish lochs.

The name change was announced last week, and was formalized with the placement of signs around the property warning of the possible presence of sea monsters. Museum spokesman John Warren said he considers the potential for sea monster attacks on museum grounds to be "almost nonexistent, probably." He acknowledged that his fingers were crossed when he said it. The name change will be in place until the "Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep" exhibit closes on Jan. 4, 2015.

• Mike Vaughn: Prefer they solve real problems.

• John Payne: Sweet!

Compiled from the Daily Press Facebook page. To be part of the discussion, visit